"Mom, what happened to me after I reached the hospital?"
She stood abruptly.
"Mara, you just had major surgery. You shouldn't be upsetting yourself."
"Answer me."
"Sweetheart—"
"Please."
She looked at the document again.
Then said something that made my stomach twist.
**"Whatever Gabriel did, he should have told you himself."**
I stared at her.
"Dad?"
Mom nodded.
"He was responsible for your care."
"But what about you?"
Her expression hardened.
"I was your mother. I trusted the doctors."
She placed the papers on the bedside table.
Then leaned toward me.
"Listen carefully, Mara. You've been given a miracle. Don't destroy your happiness by digging through painful things that happened twenty years ago."
I felt tears burning behind my eyes.
"I need to know the truth."
Mom looked disappointed.
"Sometimes the truth doesn't bring peace."
She kissed my forehead.
"I'll come back tomorrow when you've rested."
Then she left.
I watched her walk through the door.
